An ambitious spectacle initially envisioned for Los Angeles, destined to be a pivotal moment in the 2028 Olympics baton pass, was unfortunately sidelined amidst traffic jitters from the LAPD and the intricate web of California Coastal Commission permits. However, the silver lining remains as whispers suggest that Tom Cruise will steal the show at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games' closing ceremony on August 11, skydiving majestically towards the iconic Hollywood Sign, symbolizing the triumphant transition to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympiad. This daring feat, reportedly filmed in stealth mode back in March, promises to be a thrilling culmination to the Paris Games, where Cruise has been a avid presence, cheering on gymnasts and swimmers alike.
"It's nothing short of awe-inspiring," Cruise enthused to Reuters, marveling at the stories and the sheer athleticism on display. "The sense of achievement these athletes embody is truly breathtaking."
Orchestrating this high-stakes L.A. segment is Fulwell 73, the dynamic production company helmed by James Corden, renowned for Hulu's The Kardashians and Adele's captivating CBS special, One Night Only, staged amidst the grandeur of Griffith Observatory. The vision? A seamless blend of prerecorded grandeur and live-action thrills.
Sources privy to The Hollywood Reporter's ears reveal that an earlier blueprint painted a vibrant picture of a colossal bash at Will Rogers State Beach, where the Olympic flag's ceremonial handover would have unfolded. Yet, this dreamscape was dashed against the rocks of LAPD's concerns over a prolonged Pacific Coast Highway closure and the intricate permitting process overseen by the California Coastal Commission. Fulwell 73 remained tight-lipped when approached for comment.
Recalling past Olympic handovers, the stage has often served as a canvas for celebrity-studded spectacles. Beijing 2008 witnessed a harmonious fusion of Jimmy Page and Leona Lewis, soaring atop a faux bus, serenading the world with Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love," as they journeyed towards London. Similarly, the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, a Hollywood-infused affair masterminded by David L. Wolper and Walt Disney Co.'s Robert Jani, showcased performances by Lionel Richie, The Beach Boys, and film composer John Williams, etching their names in Olympic folklore.
As she concluded her awe-inspiring performance, sealing the golden triumph that symbolized a redemption of sorts, three years after stepping away from multiple Tokyo finals to prioritize her mental well-being, Biles dashed to embrace Lee just beyond the podium's glow, showering kisses to the cameras that have become her constant companions beneath the Olympic rings.
Moments after the final score reverberated through the arena, Biles and Lee, Olympic titans united, sprinted onto the floor, their American flag waving triumphantly. Lee, who claimed Tokyo's crown with Biles by her side in spirit, now stands as the first gymnast since Comaneci in 1976 and '80 to conquer gold in the all-around competition in consecutive Olympic Games and add another medal to her illustrious collection.
"I merely sought to validate to myself the belief that I possessed the strength within me, for I had doubted it deeply," Lee confessed.
While the path ahead may yet yield more medals for Biles, who remains in contention for three event finals later in the Games, her all-around victory propels her into the pantheon of America's greatest Olympians, a discussion she now deservedly finds herself at the forefront of.
Biles is no longer the prodigious teenager who captivated Rio de Janeiro eight years ago. She's a married woman, a vocal champion for sexual abuse survivors, and a fervent advocate for the significance of mental health. With unwavering openness, she revealed post-team gold on Tuesday that she sought the guidance of her personal therapist earlier that morning, to mentally prepare for the challenges ahead.
Drawing strength from the inner resilience she's cultivated over the years, Biles sat, legs elegantly crossed, in her shimmering blue leotard, eyes closed, oblivious to the relentless gaze of the cameras. When she reopened them, it was with a renewed determination, ready to conquer whatever lay before her.
This is her narrative – to let go of the past, embracing it as a part of her journey but not defining her present. If critics find fault in her choices, she remains steadfast, knowing it's their burden, not hers.
Biles has transcended, setting a benchmark that may never be matched, not just in her sport but potentially in all realms of athletic endeavor. She has evolved into a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the path for others to prioritize their well-being and strive for greatness amidst adversity.
